John has taken up a planning battle on behalf of Hawthorn Mill sheltered housing complex in Wortley.

“All 36 tenants of Hawthorn Mill and many of their relatives and friends have written to me to object, as have other local residents” said Mr Battle, “and I have made a formal objection to the Planning Department.”

Burley Property Developers are building industrial units on Whitehall Road, close to the sheltered housing complex. They have now applied for bigger road access and permission for 24 hour goods traffic.

The MP said “Residents complained that the development is much higher and more intrusive than they expected because, although the actual building is the size it had planning permission to be, they saw builders putting up a high earth embankment foundation adding several feet to the height of the building. I understand that the extra height has disrupted television reception in Hawthorn Mill, although I did welcome news that the developers have given Hawthorn Mill some compensation for this.

“They were also very concerned about the noise levels if permission is given for more building work on the road access and even more about noise from lorries 24 hours a day. I think all local residents deserve a bit of peace and quiet – particularly those in the sheltered housing at this time in their lives.

“I have also taken the case to the Local Government Ombudsman over the long delays I have had in getting replies from the Planning Department.”

©John Battle MP 13th August 2004